Timings
We are getting ready to commission with further timings to be shared, this is where we are at:
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Discover July 2022 – February 2023
We are assessing what we know already and preparing a Community Development Program Discovery Discussion Paper that will help guide discussion and engagement in the strategise phase
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Strategise March – May 2023
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Invest August 2023 – May 2024
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Deliver May 2024 – onwards
Latest update - April 2025
The commissioning process for the Community Development Program has not yet commenced.
Cycle: 1
Commissioner: Community Services Directorate
Status: Discover
We identify and document what we already know and what could be possible to explore through the commissioning cycle. In this phase we will:
- Undertake a discovery – what do we already know? What questions do we need to explore?
- Identify who could be involved in the commissioning cycle
- Plan the timings of the commissioning cycle through to delivery
- Plan engagement and collaboration activities and timings
- Establish the webpage to keep participants informed
Background
Commissioning is our opportunity to ensure the diverse programs and services supported by the Community Development Program are meeting the needs of our growing Canberra community.
The Community Development Program (the Program) connects with multiple other services and programs that the support and benefit the Canberra by providing grants to a wide range of grassroots community organisations so that they can facilitate social connection, skills development, and deliver basic financial and material resources to the community. The Program is diverse yet collectively supports social cohesion and fosters Canberra as an inclusive community.
Engagement and collaboration
The Commissioner (government) is getting ready to engage with organisations, peak bodies, and people with lived experience of to understand the current scope, diversity and impact of the Community Development Program.
Engagement and collaboration will help assess the Program need and identify the service mix and service requirements to meet the needs of our growing population.
Given the connection of multiple services and programs to the Community Development Program, other commissioning cycles will also inform the any new service mix or requirements.
Contact us
To learn more about the process email Health and Community Services Directorate: HCSDCommissioning@act.gov.au
What we are looking at, listening to, and sharing
We are seeking insights, perspectives and experiences that help us understand:
- What service gaps you have identified
- What emerging needs you have identified
- How your organisation is providing services
- Any new or emerging groups that could benefit from a grant under the program
- What are meaningful measures and indicators
- Lived experiences of people benefiting from the program
- How to develop better linkages and coordination across service delivery
Who is involved
We will be seeking insights, perspectives, and experiences from a wide range of people including those with lived experience, organisations delivering services and programs and peak bodies with an interest or understanding of the how the program could benefit the whole human service system.
We will use your views to
- Innovate ways we can address the service or community need gaps
- Refine program outcomes in line with the ACT Wellbeing Framework
- Design and improve the service requirements or service mix
Related commissioning cycles
We are listening to, connecting with, and drawing from these related commissioning cycles:
Key links
We are referencing the following plans, strategies, and frameworks in this cycle:
Page updated: 26 Nov 2025
